Some people are just not 'cut out' to work in retail. It is a 'service' industry and part of your job description is to assist customers. I went to True Value this afternoon to get a few small pots to put some starter plants in and needed some help because I had forgotten my glasses (I need them for close up). First of all, when I entered the store I asked where I would find "plant pots". He said, "What? What are those?" Hmmm ... I knew at that point this wasn't going to be a real pleasant experience. Next, I had to ASK for assistance, explaining my awkwardness having forgotten my glasses. He exuded a lackadaisical attitude from the get go and it was obvious I was putting him out. I also wanted some Schultz's Plant Food. I tried to find it myself after he POINTED to where it SHOULD be ... and, yet, still know that I had no glasses, he didn't even offer to help me find it. I looked for it, to no avail, and made a remark to him that if they have it, I can't see it, without my glasses. Get this, he shrugged his shoulders at me. I said to him, "I guess you don't help people." Imagine, he was a bit defensive and let me know that he does plenty of stuff. Well, you couldn't prove it by me. I hope he's a better employee for the store, than he is with helping their customers! If you aren't willing to assist customers in your store, you're in the wrong line of work and True Value Store made a poor decision in their hire of that fella. He barely wanted to take my money. I think he was afraid I might ask him another question. I did change my mind on the size of pots, because of the total cost. I then asked him if he wanted me to put them back (most places will do it later); he willingly told me, yeah (not even nicely, it was as if I owed it to him to do that). I am in retail and even though I have days I'd rather not even be at work, let alone help customers. If I'm having a bad day, I at least try to humor my customers and not make it obvious I'm having a bad day. Next time I will probably take the extra time and gas money to drive to Ace Hardware; they're people are properly trained and are always helpful, and kind.

Hi Nancy
Yes, I agree. The worker was probably young, I am assuming. Younger kids don't know how to communicate with people today. It is like they just want to do social media and stay in contact with their friends. Even though they are not face to face having a conversation. It is so sad. I am so glad there was not all that high tech information crap when our kids were growing up. And, of course, he must of not of been raised with any kind of respect, courtesy or empathy. He doesn't realize that helping someone would actually make him feel better.
I am sure you have seen people eating at the same table at a restaurant and everyone is on the phone talking or texting and not engaging in any conversation with the people right in front of them. I just hate that. When my grandkids do that, I just tell them to put their phones down because I would love to talk to you.
I understand.
Vicki

Reply

Nancy Lenz

9/4/2015 08:00:49

It's sad to see all the degradation of moral fiber, with generations who cannot look each other in the eye (rather shoot someone in the back), people who would rather text than talk one on one, and a society of humanoids walking blindly with their noses, eyes and ears in their phones, tablets, etc., focused on themselves - they are missing what is so great in life - like, everything in life that is not in a box (so to speak). I have several customers at work who will walk in, on their phones (some even with hands-free headphones so they can shop). I try to greet all my customers, even them, and I make them interact with me. I used to ignore them, but now I am as pushy about greeting them as they are about ignoring me. And those are the customers who expect special treatment at the register when they are finally done and 'in a hurry', to get on their way; we have become such a selfish and cold society - too bad, so sad!

I hope this finds you well in your new life. I'm a bit envious; damn that green-eyed monster! *smile*

Reply

vicki

9/4/2015 08:45:51

Well said.
I hope you know, you have an open invitation to come here and visit. We have a guest room and you are welcome.If, you ever get the urge to go on a long road trip.
Vicki